This test method is suitable for setting specification, for use as an internal quality control tool, and for use in development or research work on industrial aromatic hydrocarbons and related materials. In addition to the pure liquid chemicals for which expansion functions are known, it may also be used for liquids for which temperature expansion data are not available, or for impure liquid chemicals if certain limitations are observed. Information derived from this test can be used to describe the relationship between weight and volume.

1.1 This test method describes a simplified procedure for the measurement of density or relative density of pure liquid chemicals for which accurate temperature expansion functions are known. It is restricted to liquids having vapor pressures not exceeding 600 mm Hg (0.8 atm) at the equilibration temperature, and having viscosities not exceeding 15 cSt at 20C (60F).

1.2 Means are provided for reporting results in the following units:

Density g/cm³ at 20C

Density g/ml at 20C

Relative density 20C/4C

Relative density 60F/60F (15.56C/15.56C)

Commercial density, lb (in air)/U.S. gal at 60F

Commercial density, lb (in air)/U.K. gal at 60F. Note 1

This test method is based on the old definition of 1 L = 1.000028 dm³ (1 mL = 1.000028 cm³). In 1964 the General Conference on Weights and Measures withdrew this definition of the litre and declared that the word "litre" was a special name for the cubic decimetre, thus making 1 mL = 1 cm³ exactly.

An alternative method for determining relative density of pure liquid chemicals is Test Method D 4052.

1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this test method: for purposes of determining conformance with this test method, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off "to the nearest unit" in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E 29.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in .